The region’s football and netball communities are rejoicing the return of ‘finals fever’ this weekend – after a two-year absence. 

The COVID-19 pandemic meant an abandoned season in 2020, while teams reached the eve of the finals series in 2021 before ongoing uncertainty about lockdowns and the tightening of restrictions forced the hand of decision-makers. 

In fact, it was at this point of last year, and enduring the challenges of being in-and-out of lockdowns, that leagues had strategised a range of outcomes should uncertainty extend past the scheduled grand final dates. 

The 2021 season was eventually abandoned.

While the 2022 season certainly hasn’t been without its challenges, as the virus runs rampant across the region, it’s a wonderful milestone and extra special celebration to reach this point of the year. 

The coming weeks will offer a compelling battle for players and spectators alike. For those who won premierships in 2019, it means their reign as champions was extended well past its regular expiry date. 

This time is now almost over, as the Horsham District league’s top-six teams leave no effort unexerted in order to secure a place on the grand final draw. Wimmera Football Netball League and Wimmera Hockey Association finals begin a week later. 

It’s the culmination of months of tireless work – not only from the players themselves, but club leaders, supporters and volunteers who turn up, every week, to achieve their best possible result.  

While, naturally, a premiership is the aspiration of many, it’s not the only ‘prize’ on offer. 

Sport plays such a significant role in the lives of many Wimmera residents. 

Family and culture are frequently bandied around as words to describe the strong feelings of belonging, camaraderie and unity within clubs. 

For many, the pandemic would have been the first time, in a lifetime, where weekends and a weeknight or two did not revolve around sport. 

While this drew some away from sport; for others, it only confirmed their love and passion for their chosen code.

Regardless, the pandemic years have only reiterated the vital place and vital role that clubs of any kind play in relation to the physical, social and mental health and wellbeing of residents. 

It’s the place to gather, to belong, to have a good time. To share and inspire and to connect to like-minded individuals. To form the enduring memories to celebrate long into the future. To find purpose. 

All solid ‘trophies’ – gems – in their own right. 

• For your guide to the Horsham District league finals series, check out the lift-out in today’s edition; a guide to the Wimmera league finals will appear next week.

The entire August 17, 2022 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!